Politics
2023: Vote Candidates That’ll Heal Southern Kaduna, Group Urges Electorate
The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has called on the people of Southern Kaduna to vote only for people that know the land and how to solve the myriad of challenges confronting it during the coming elections.
Speaking during the 21st Southern Kaduna Prayer Summit at the Kafanchan Township Stadium on Saturday, the Chairman of the Association, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, also urged the electorate not to vote along religious or ethnic considerations.
Apostle Kure, in a statement, said the people will not vote based on religious or ethnic sentiments but will be more strategic in their choices.
The SKCLA Chairman advised sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna who are seeking for elective offices that know that there Party’s cannot win elections to merge or align their aspirations with the party they feel can win elections, to avoid splitting their votes.
He prayed that whoever wins the 2023 general elections will be bonded with the Southern Kaduna and be ready to be fair in the distribution of positions.
According to him, the essence of the Prayer Summit was to unite the people and kingdoms in prayers for the restoration of the land having spent three years without a formal gathering to pray due to COVID-19.
Commenting on the insecurity affecting the area, the SKCLA Chairman called on the attackers to lay down their arms for discussions that will bring an end to the loss of lives and property.
In a prayer declaration, the Founder, Living Faith Foundation, Rev. Dr. Joseph Adeolu Olaiya said the end of affliction in Southern Kaduna has come and the people have been set free.
The Guest Speaker, Rev. Jacob Kwashi who read from the Holy book of Isaiah 43:16, said when God says something, mortal men have nothing to do than to remain mute.
He said God will speak to the people of Southern Kaduna this year and the people should be ready to listen.
The Guest Speaker warned those liaising with the evil to attack and cause trouble in the land, to repent or be consumed by the waters.
He also urged the people to forget the past and all the evil accompanied by it and write a new chapter in their lives going forward.
In their goodwill messages, other speakers prayed that the forthcoming elections would bring forth good leaders that will give Southern Kaduna its rightful place.
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.